Electricity has been deregulated since 1998

People in Scotland would be better off if they switched to electricity suppliers south of the border, according to an industry watchdog.

The claim has been made by consumer body Energywatch Scotland.

It follows a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) condemning the electricity industry for failing to pass on price cuts to customers in England and Wales.

But Graham Kerr, from Energywatch Scotland, said that Scottish consumers had lost out considerably since deregulation.

"At privatisation, Scottish prices were on average 5% lower than in England and Wales, they are now 10% higher," said Mr Kerr.

It's the same electricity that is coming through your power points and if you are paying less for it why not make the switch? Graham Kerr Energywatch Scotland

"Consumers would undoubtedly save money if they were to go down the line of taking their custom to companies in England and Wales and we would encourage that.

"Consumers believe there is a lot of hassle attached to the process, but it's not difficult and most transfers do go through quite easily.

"But at the end of the day it's the same electricity that is coming through your power points and if you are paying less for it why not make the switch?"

A spokesperson for Scottish Power said: "Prices in real terms are lower than they were 20 years ago.

"Also it is not just about electricity but about dual fuel deals where you are paying for gas and electricity and can get the benefits of single billing."

He added that the industry in Scotland faced higher transmission charges from the cost of supplying electricity to spread out communities.

The NAO report on England and Wales found that electricity customers who switch to a rival could cut their bills by up to 22% - an average saving of about �50.

However, it recommended that the regulator Ofgem should look at why suppliers had not passed on more savings to those customers who had not switched suppliers.

Energywatch Scotland is now calling for the Ofgem to ensure all energy prices are brought into line with south of the border.